Ely City boss Brady Stone praised his side after their 1-0 win over Cambridge United’s development side in the Cambs Invitation Cup.

A second half Ben Worman own goal was the difference on the night, but the Robins made their physicality count throughout, dominating from set-pieces in particular after allowing United to have the possession in the opening exchanges.

And, after a difficult season in the Thurlow Nunn so far, Stone said that it was a much-needed confidence boost for his side.

“I thought the performance was fantastic,” he said. “We know they’re a good team, we know they train daily so play the ball so it was important our shape was good, we were disciplined, organised and let them play out of the back.

“That was the plan, to try and hit them on the break and play for set plays and that’s what happened for the goal. I’m very impressed with the team tonight and the way they played, the way they listened.

“We know they’re academy boys, we know they’re drilled to play football. When you play against men, which we are, they have to deal with set plays and they’ll learn.

“They’ll take a lot from that tonight. I speak to Pelly (Tom Pell, United’s academy manager a lot. This is why they entered this competition, because they take a lot from it.

“We needed a win, we haven’t won many, so the boys are buzzing there and it’s a good.”

Robins injury woes meant that former Whittlesford man Alex Batten made it into the starting 11 after signing on Monday, playing 82 minutes before being replaced, while their other addition Steve Holder watched from the stands. And Stone was impressed by his new man.

“Alex has only played Senior A, he’s never played Cambs Prem or this level and I thought he done very well. I thought he kept it simple, he worked hard and he was unlucky with the shot that Fin (Iron) saved.

“I’m really pleased for him, I thought he had a fantastic debut.”

Ely are now through to the last four in the competition, alongside Soham, Histon and Wisbech.

Stone added: It’s important (that we got through). In the Cambs Cup you play two games and you’re at the Abbey. We’ve been there the past two years, we lost in the final and we won it.

“You’ve got some good teams left, but it’s a competition we want to do well in so hopefully we can win one more game and get back at the Abbey.”